Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that the ongoing political crisis in the state will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them.

Governor Fubara made this statement when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt, during an Eid-el-Fitri Sallah visit on Monday.

Addressing the delegation, Governor Fubara urged them and his supporters to trust in God’s process.

He said: “This season is one of love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.”

He acknowledged that the current political tension might leave many feeling depressed, but emphasized that supernatural forces may be at play beyond human understanding.

“No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that, in the end, we will emerge stronger.”

Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to justice and equality, stressing that his administration envisions a society where no one is oppressed.

“We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us some pain, so be it. The most important thing is that we stand on the side of truth and righteousness,” he stated.

He regretted that he was unable to formally reach out to the Muslim Ummah during their celebrations but promised that the relationship between religious groups and the government would be strengthened once the current uncertainties are resolved.

He also assured the leaders that their pending requests would be addressed after the crisis subsides.

Fubara, while urging patience and perseverance, Governor Fubara drew an analogy from religious history, saying, “If God could be patient with Noah to allow even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains an essential virtue in our struggle.”

He also cautioned against falling prey to those who want engineer violence by fanning provocative acts, warning his supporters and Rivers people to avoid certain elements who sought to destabilize the state.

“Their goal is to create problems and deny people their means of livelihood. We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully and respect constituted authority to ensure that our state remains a model for others in Nigeria,” he concluded.

Speaking earlier on behalf of the Muslim Ummah, Nasir Awhelebe Uhor declared their solidarity with Governor Fubara, assuring him of their prayers and support as he navigates the state’s current political challenges.

Uhor stated that the majority of Muslims in Rivers State stand with Governor Fubara due to his inclusive approach to governance and his recognition of the Islamic faith.

He noted that, unlike the previous administration that declared Rivers a 100 percent Christian state, Governor Fubara, upon assuming office, acknowledged the state as Christian-majority while allowing room for inclusiveness.

Encouraging the Governor to remain steadfast, Uhor reminded him of the Islamic belief that Allah rewards patience.

He said the present challenges align with the teachings of Islam, where the Creator tests His people through wealth, power, and authority.

He further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the emergency rule in Rivers State and restore Governor Fubara’s full authority, emphasizing that the Governor has been performing effectively despite the crisis.

During the visit, prayers were offered for Governor Fubara, his family, Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.

The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, arrived at the Kano State Government House on Monday to condole with the government and families of the 16 victims killed in Uromi, Edo State, last week.

His visit comes amid growing outrage in northern Nigeria over what many see as a targeted attack on traders from the region.

The victims, mostly from Kano and other northern states, were reportedly ambushed and killed in Uromi, a town in Edo’s Esan North-East Local Government Area.

The killings have sparked anger in northern Nigeria, with protests erupting in Kano, Katsina, and parts of Kaduna as citizens demand justice and better security for northerners residing in the South.

In Kano, youth groups and community leaders have accused the Edo State government of not doing enough to prevent such attacks, calling for swift action to apprehend the perpetrators.

During his visit, Governor Monday Okpebholo assured the Kano State government that his administration was working with security agencies to investigate the killings and bring those responsible to justice.

He also expressed sympathy for the bereaved families, emphasizing that violence against any ethnic or religious group must not be tolerated.

His visit comes as pressure mounts on both state and federal authorities to address growing concerns over ethnic tensions and insecurity across the country.

The National Chairman of Labour Party, Mr Julius Abure has said the party will use the governorship election in Anambra State, which comes up in November this year, to test their expected victory in the 2027 presidential election.

Abure stated this in Awka, Anambra State capital on Sunday, during a forum organized by an organ of the party, Directorate of Mobilization and Integration, DMI, for aspirants of the party to meet with their delegates, ahead of the primary election which comes up on Saturday.

Abure who was represented by the national women leader of the party, Mrs Dudu Manuga said: “We want to use Anambra to test what 2027 will be. Labour party has grown beyond a briefcase party, we are in all the states of Nigeria and Abuja and we are getting ready not just for Anambra but for 2027.

“After the primary election this Saturday, no one is permitted to be angry. We will all join hands to emerge in the main election in November. Let us not be weak, let us not biker, let us all stand strong, be united and nothing will be impossible for us to achieve.

“This forum is to bring the aspirants together and make them integrate with the people they want to govern. We will plant LP in every polling unit. What is happening today in Anambra is crucial for our victory in 2027.”

Aspirants of the party; Dr George Moghalu and Mr John Nwosu attended the forum and also spoke to members of the party on their manifesto.

Moghalu in his speech insisted that the major problem of Anambra was that the people have lost confidence in government.

“People no longer trust government, security has collapsed, thugs are used to enforce taxes. If the government is doing the right thing, people will pay tax without being chased about, tax can also be collected electronically.”